Sports channel launch will create up to 75 local call centre jobs

Communications giant BT is to create around 75 permanent and temporary jobs at its Truro call centre, with the launch of its new sports TV service.

The communications giant has announced that it will create 800 jobs across the UK, through its new broadband media venture, BT Sport.

The service, which is scheduled to launch in the summer, will create 400 new permanent sales roles across eight call centres, including in Truro.

BT anticipates that 15 new jobs will be created at its Cornwall-based centre, which currently employs around 155 people. It will also be the location for around 60 out of 400 temporary UK-wide roles, which are anticipated to last around six months.

It said the sports channel, which will show 38 live Barclays Premier League matches, will also safeguard the employment of almost 200 existing call centre staff.

Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT Retail, said: "BT Sport is an important new chapter for us."